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Kate Garraway praises "amazing" NHS staff as she shares update on husband Derek's coronavirus battle
1 May 2020, 09:50
Kate Garraway has shared an update on husband Derek Draper, as he continues to fight coronavirus in hospital.
The Smooth Radio presenter's partner was taken to hospital with COVID-19 symptoms last month, and has been in intensive care for several weeks.
Sharing a video as she took part in the weekly #ClapForOurCarers, Kate said that Derek is "still with us".
In the Instagram clip, showing her banging a pan alongside her children, she told followers: "So much to be grateful for tonight. Derek is still with us but what a battle it is.
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"So grateful too for our amazing #nhs doing so much for Derek everyday – wonderful to see all the support for them & our key workers every Thursday. We can’t thank them enough can we? So brave."
"Sending love to everyone during this ghastly time. particularly all those struggling for whatever reason – none of this is easy," she continued. "Thank you so much for your messages – they mean so much to me."
Kate has also thanked fans for their support during this difficult period, and publicly reached out to one Twitter fan who lit candles for Derek’s health earlier this week.
Speaking in a blog post on her Club Garraway site, Kate opened up about the "worrying time" her family is going through.
"I am afraid that he remains in a critical condition and is very ill. It remains an extremely worrying time for us all and the last couple of weeks have been the hardest of my life.
"The NHS team who are working on him have all been extraordinary and I know that it’s only their professionalism, dedication and bravery that has kept Derek with us so far.
"It is so difficult to find the right words because “thank you“ alone just doesn’t seem enough but I do thank them with all my heart as I know Derek would want to also if he could."
Everyone at Smooth is thinking of Derek, Kate and their family, and are wishing Derek a speedy recovery.
